This article will elaborate on fMRI, its purpose and procedure. We will also discuss the cost and best fMRI centre in Delhi
What is Functional MRI (fMRI)?
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a noninvasive painless procedure that is used to show the active areas of the brain. It shows the specific activity of the brain at a particular moment in time. fMRI is used to plan brain surgeries or similar procedures. This MRI tracks the flow of blood in the brain. The areas having more blood flow are functionally more active and show bright spots on the MRI. This MRI uses a blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast technique to pick the activity of the brain.
MRI is the short form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create images of the functional or other parts of the body. MRI does not use radiation for scanning, that is why it is preferred body scan by healthcare experts. This technique is also very sensitive for scanning compared to CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays. MRI scans can be done with or without using the contrast. Healthcare experts can suggest contrast MRI scans if they need enhanced-quality images for diagnostic purposes.
What is fMRI with contrast?
In fMRI, intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used to show functional abnormalities. Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that alters the magnetic properties of water molecules present nearby which helps to enhance the quality of scanned images. It is better to go for the scan under the guidance of a healthcare expert as the contrast can have mild to severe side effects of the contrast, but severe reactions happen very rarely. Contrast material helps to enhance the image quality and visibility of conditions like swelling, tumours, injuries, abnormalities in lymph nodes, mass in the liver or kidney etc.
What is a fMRI used to show?
A fMRI scan is used to provide detailed functioning of the brain by tracking the blood flow. This technique helps doctors to diagnose the functional parts of the brain and which parts of the brain are more active. The fMRI is used to detect different conditions like:
- To diagnose the working of different parts of the brain.
- To measure the blood flow in the brain.
- To diagnose the strokes.
- To diagnose brain tumours and cancers.
- To diagnose the brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease.
- To diagnose the epilepsy.
- Helps in precise radiation therapy for the brain.
- Helps to diagnose the post-treatment procedure healings or scans for how well the surgery is improving.
When to go for a fMRI?
Functional MRI is suggested by the healthcare expert when he suspects any abnormalities related to brain functioning. These include brain tumours, cancers, strokes, injuries, epilepsy etc. A functional MRI can be suggested to check the previous or existing condition. Healthcare providers also use functional MRI scans before surgeries to better prepare for the surgery. They also use these scans to ensure that healing from the previous surgery is going well.
How to prepare for a fMRI?
Before going for the fMRI, a patient needs to consult a healthcare expert as he may suggest some conditions before going for the test. Tell your healthcare provider if you have body implants. MRI uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause the heating and possible movement of metal objects inside the body. These implants can cause health and safety issues, so it is important to consult a healthcare expert before going for an MRI.
Besides these, the patient is also advised to keep all the jewellery, watches, or any wearing metal at home or remove them before the MRI scan. These can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and cause burns or injuries with harmful projections. Items that can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and have to be discussed before going for MRI are pacemakers, implants, nerve stimulators, metal fragments, jewellery, pins, cell phones, electronic watches etc. Healthcare providers should be aware if the patient is pregnant and fears closed narrow spaces.
The procedure involves the patient to lie on the bench, which glides into the MRI scanning machine. In the case of patients using contrast dye, patients will be allowed to wait for almost 1 hour after the administration of the drug. Dye is used to get the perfect and more clear images of the body parts. You will be completely safe in the machine and the process can take 30 to 90 minutes.
What is the cost of a fMRI in Delhi?
The cost of a functional MRI scan in Delhi depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for functional MRI screening tests as they provide the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)
How to choose the best fMRI centre in Delhi?
There are different MRI diagnostic centres in and around Delhi. Before going for the MRI scanning, you need to check some centre details like Government accreditations, the latest machines, doctors at your disposal, good technical staff, and prior expertise in healthcare. The diagnostic facility should be clean, and hygienic and provide full information to patients or you can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for any type of MRI scan.
Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic?
Ganesh Diagnostic has expertise in quality healthcare tests and scans for decades, having best-in-class doctors and facilitation. Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365-day facility. The test results are accurate which helps the patients get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery. The quality is backed by the NABH and NABL accreditations, NABH is for the highest standard of care and services provided to patients and NABL reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment at national and international standards. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity of available discounts and book an appointment.
What is the treatment after a fMRI?
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) can detect different abnormalities or diseases related to brain functioning. Abnormalities like strokes, epilepsy, injuries, cancers, tumours, blood supply issues to the brain etc. Each abnormality will have a different treatment as per the condition. The healthcare expert can suggest treatment only after analysing the MRI report and the condition reported in the MRI report.
Conclusion
Functional MRI is used to diagnose abnormalities in the functioning of the brain. Brain abnormalities like injury, tumours, strokes, blood flow detection etc. can be diagnosed by fMRI. MRI procedure needs technical staff and inform the healthcare provider of body implants and conditions before going for the scan. MRI can use contrast or not depending on the need and the doctor’s advice. Patients need to look for certain facilities, accreditations and expertise before choosing any diagnostic facility for MRI.
FAQs
What is fMRI?
Functional MRI is a non-invasive medical diagnostic tool for the detection of disorders and diseases related to the brain.
What are the uses of fMRI?
Functional MRI is used to check for injuries, tumours, strokes, blood flow to the brain, Alzheimer's disease etc.
What is the difference between an MRI scan and a PET scan?
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves while PET scans use radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities.
When to go for a fMRI scan?
Do not avoid the symptoms related to functional disorders of the brain, go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment. (Click for screening)
What are the risks associated with fMRI scans?
There are no such risks associated with an fMRI scan when conducted in the presence of a healthcare expert and at a good healthcare facility with proper guidelines and protocols.
What is the time taken for a fMRI scan?
Functional MRI can take around 30 to 90 minutes. Timing can also depend on the type of MRI like whether taking contrast or not for MRI.
What is the cost of a fMRI scan?
Cost depends on the area and the healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for discounts and the best facility or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 for price confirmation. (Book Now)
What is the treatment after the fMRI scan?
Treatment depends on the condition diagnosed after the fMRI. Healthcare experts will analyse the report and suggest a particular treatment as per the condition.
How can you find a fMRI scan near me?
You can type a fMRI scan near me in Google search for the nearest centres available or click here for consultation..
